"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1957: On The Edge of Night, Mike Karr (John Larkin) told Charley (Ian Martin) that he intended to pursue Harry until he admitted to murdering Marilyn.

2009: Primetime soap opera Kings debuted on NBC. The series' narrative was loosely based on the Biblical story of King David, yet set in a kingdom that culturally and technologically resembled the present-day United States. It starred Ian McShane as King Silas Benjamin (King Saul) and Chris Egan as Captain David Shepherd (David). Watch the trailer below:

Thanks to FoxCrane for sending in the item above.

2011: James Pritchett, best known to daytime soap opera fans as Dr. Matt Powers in THE DOCTORS, died at age 88.